The Wonderful Wizard of Oz / Волшебник из страны Оз. Книга для чтения на английском языке

’ The old man looked round. �This is my granddaughter, Pilar Estravados.’

�How do you do?’ said Pilar demurely.

Stephen Farr thought with a touch of admiration: �Cool little devil.[99 - Cool little devil. – (разг.) Хладнокровная чертовка (бестия).] She was surprised to see me, but it only showed for a flash.’

He said, rather heavily: �I’m very pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Estravados.’

�Thank you,’ said Pilar.

Simeon Lee said: �Sit down and tell me all about yourself.

�Oh, I shan’t hurry myself now I’ve really got here!’ He laughed, throwing his head back.

Simeon Lee said: �Quite right. You must stay here with us for a while.’

�Oh, look here, sir. I can’t butt in like that[100 - can’t butt in like that – (разг.) не хочу так грубо вторгаться (мешать вашим планам)]. It’s only two days to Christmas.’

�You must spend Christmas with us – unless you’ve got other plans?’

�Well, no, I haven’t, but I don’t like – ’

Simeon said: �That’s settled.

�Yes, Grandfather.’

�Go and tell Lydia we shall have another guest. Ask her to come up here.’

Pilar left the room. Stephen’s eyes followed her. Simeon noted the fact with amusement. He said: �You’ve come straight here from South Africa?’

�Pretty well.’

They began to talk of that country.

Simeon said: �This is Stephen Farr, son of my old friend and partner, Ebenezer Farr. He’s going to be with us for Christmas if you can find room for him.’

Lydia smiled. �Of course.’ Her eyes took in the stranger’s appearance. His bronzed face and blue eyes and the easy backward tilt of his head.

�My daughter-in-law,’ said Simeon.

Stephen said: �I feel rather embarrassed – butting in on a family party like this.

�You’re one of the family, my boy,’ said Simeon. �Think of yourself as that.’

�You’re too kind, sir.’

Pilar re-entered the room. She sat down quietly by the fire and picked up the hand screen. She used it as a fan, slowly tilting her wrist to and fro. Her eyes were demure and downcast.

Part 3

December 24

I

�Do you really want me to stay on here, Father?’ asked Harry. He tilted his head back.